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Mark National Day with show of unity

DUBAI — His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized that the country’s celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the nation marks not only the birth of our country, but our evolvement as a modern and progressive nation over the last four decades.

“It is a celebration of the achievements of this great nation but also an opportunity for the whole community to truly unite and reflect on what it means to be Emirati, or call the UAE our home. Through these celebrations we hope to recognise achievements of the past and present, commend the people who have influenced the nation, reignite the ties that bind us together and to reconnect with the communities in which we live. Together we have the unique opportunity to contribute to the evolving narrative of the UAE and to unite in celebration across this great nation, stressed Shaikh Mohammed at the special ceremony held for ratifying the programme,” he said.

He added that the UAE, led by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has entered a new chapter in the history of the nation. This is embodied through the ongoing growth and prosperity of the state, the empowerment of residents and most importantly the wisdom of Shaikh Khalifa and his proximity to the people’s pulse. It is this grass-roots knowledge and mentality which have ensured internal stability, stable economic development and secured a prominent position on the global landscape for the UAE.

In recognition of the UAE’s 40^th year as a modern and progressive nation the 40-day programme of celebrations, which will commence on October 24, will fall under the theme ‘Spirit of the Union’. This unified spirit is derived from the vision and legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed, who bestowed on the community a passion for the environment, the gift of education, and above all the passion to continue to progress and modernise the nation.

During the ceremony, which was held in the presence of Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Chairman of the Higher Committee for National Day celebrations, he stressed that it was vital to unify efforts and co-ordinate an exceptional national programme of celebrations for this auspicious occasion.

Under the wise leadership of Shaikh Khalifa these celebrations will be an all-encompassing commemoration, uniting citizens and residents to recognise and celebrate the nation’s achievements, rich heritage, multicultural society and to look to the future with pride and confidence, Shaikh Mohammed stressed.

He also unveiled the brand identity, launched the official corporate website of UAE National Day, unveiled details of the comprehensive event line-up and encouraged the community as a whole to contribute and engage in this year’s celebrations.

In honour of the late Shaikh Zayed, who contributed vigorously and faithfully to the building of the federation, and whose spirit remains infused in all aspects of the nation’s life and heritage, the ‘Spirit of the Union’, will underlie the National Day programme. In line with this, the Spirit of the Union is formed by the four pillars; the spirit of the late Shaikh Zayed, the cosmopolitan community of the UAE, the history and journey of the Federation, and the innovation and modernity of our future.

Inspiration for the logo was also revealed. An image of unity from the 2^nd of December 1971, on the first congregation of the founding fathers, was used as the basis of the creative design. The logotype carries a silhouette of the iconic image between the founding fathers of the UAE, lead by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The official National Day website — www.uaenationalday.ae — was also launched by Shaikh Mohammed during the ceremony. This digital portal will include a full breakdown of calendar events throughout the Emirates, registration details for key activities, partnership application details, background and historical information to educate users, as well as news and real time updates. The dynamic website will serve as an informative tool to engage the community, providing fun and interesting ways to get involved in the celebrations and capture memories.

Also present at the event were Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Affairs Abdul Rahman Al Oweis and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Ahmed Juma Al Za’abi, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office Ahmed Abdullah Al Sheikh, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman.

40 days of celebrations

With the aim of creating an all encompassing set of celebrations, the National Day Committee in association with representatives from all seven Emirates have planned a series of exciting events, projects and programmes stretching across all the nation, to promote the national identity and salute the nation’s rich history, culture, and achievements. The programme sets to engage all who call the UAE home, and present them with the opportunity to reflect on their bonds and ties with the nation, engage with the community and create worthwhile and lasting memoires as the UAE approach its 40^th year of existence.

The Committees official event line-up aims to involve all residents of the UAE through spectacular events, community based activities and projects that satisfy long-term educational goals as well as projects that will leave lasting and worthwhile memorial. Elaborate decoration of streets, buildings and landmarks across the nation will promote the national identity and salute the nation’s rich history, culture, and achievements. These celebrations will encourage all residents to develop a unity and common purpose as a nation. — Wam

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